Degenerative disc disease is a disease that affects the spine and back and is also known as Spondylosis. Degenerative disc disease is caused by the natural degeneration of bones of the spine during the process of aging. The water and protein content in the bones slowly reduce as we age. By leading a well regulated and healthy lifestyle you can prevent the uncomfortable symptoms of degenerative disease.

Prevent degenerative disc disease by making changes in lifestyle early on. This will prevent toxic substances from weakening the spine. If you smoke, making a decision to prevent degenerative disease involves giving up smoking. The nicotine and other toxins in tobacco smoke reduce bone health. If you drink alcohol, you need to give up drinking alcohol. Alcohol can make the metabolism sluggish and this accelerates the destruction of the bones. If you are overweight, make it a point to reduce weight and reduce the pressure on your spine to carry the excess weight.

Maintain a good posture at all times in order to prevent the early onset of degenerative disc disease. Good posture helps ensure that the bones of the vertebrae are not strained. Lifting heavy objects by bending the knees and holding the heavy object close while carrying makes lifting less stressful for spinal discs. Standing and sitting for long periods of time can put a strain on the discs. The simple solution is to keep moving. If moving is not possible then put your feet up on a stool while sitting or put one foot on a stool while standing. Do not wear high heeled shoes constantly. Another thing that seems to help significantly is sleeping on a firm mattress.

Eat a nutritious diet. Your bones are made from the food you eat and a nutritious diet is required for healthy bones. Your diet should consist of plenty of fruit and vegetables washed down with water or fruit juices. Whole grains rather than refined cereals should be eaten in plenty. Poultry, fish, beans, lentil, nuts and tofu are other healthy food that you can include in your diet to prevent degenerative disc disease. It is however, important to avoid saturated fats in meat and artificially sweetened soft drinks.

Exercise is very important for preventing degenerative disc disease. A regular 30 minute exercise routine every day will help to prevent degenerative disc disease. This is because exercise increases the blood flow and blood flow supplies healthy nutrients and oxygen to the bones. Exercise releases endomorphins which are substances that work with the brain to reduce pain. Stretching exercises and weight training exercises also help in preventing bone degenerative bone disease.

Tip

Consult a physician before embarking on a plan to prevent degenerative bone disease.

Tip

There are many crash diets, and ineffective nutritional supplements. Consult a physician before going on a diet or using supplements. A diet that is not medically supervised may cause other health defects.

About the Author

Giselle Diamond is a freelance writer and has been writing since 1999. Diamond is experienced in writing in all genres and subjects, with distinguished experience in home and garden, culture and society, literature and psychology. Diamond has a Master of Arts in English and psychology from New York University. Diamond has articles published on both eHow and LiveStrong.